Since you last saw me….

It was an awesome night. It had been raining in Nashville for days [and the smell that still lingers in my basement proves it], but because God is gracious and compassionate, we had beautiful skies for my outdoor birthday-ness.

I wasn’t totes alone the whole time, some family friends were down there and a few Nash-folks were vacationing, and one of my besties let me stay at her house so she came for a few days too. So I got to see people. You know me, totally alone for five days is more a torture than a vacation. I like to talk. To people.

I came home last week and rearranged my living room and bedroom because … do I have to have a reason? I caught up with friends and started watching Call The Midwife. [Do you watch? Should we discuss?] Then one of my lifelong BFFs came to Nashville FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE FIVE YEARS I HAVE LIVED HERE and finally met all the people that she hears stories about.

Meet Molly. She’s adorable and wonderful and now all of Nashville loves her.

It was a super fun weekend. Like, one of the best. And having lived here five years exactly, that’s over 250 weekends to choose from and I still say this was one of the best.

In my people’s news…

Your favorite intern Connor hit his FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE HOMERUN! If you live anywhere near Grand Rapids, please go watch a West Michigan Whitecaps game and cheer loud for Connor on my behalf. Thank you. [Though I will be in those stands cheering myself in a few weeks and I cannot wait.]

We’re about to release the Speak Love Pre-Order stuff which is BEYOND awesome and I can’t wait for you to see! We have so many things to discuss now that I am rested and feeling like Annie again… including, but not limited to, a PCOS update, books I’ve been reading, plans for Speak Love, and seriously- has anyone else seen Season 1 of Call The Midwife?

Also, we could discuss The Bachelorette, but I think Des is a bit, I’m sorry to say, boring. But are you watching this season anyways [like we are obviously]?

I see a couple of books in your photo that I want to read. I’m reading Love Does by Bob Goff right now. have you read it? I’m also reading aloud Andrew Peterson’s On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness to my son after your recommendation years (?) ago. We’re loving it. Did you read the other books in the series?

One of my friends told me about Call the Midwife. I didn't know if it was totally my thing but it was British, so that was enough to make me press play on netflix. I really have been enjoying it.

I've been watching season 2 on the PBS app. Sadly, they're uploading an ep a week, so not all of season 2 is up yet. I've really been enjoying it, though. A lot more than I initially expected. I love Jenny dearly. (And what a cast of characters)

What I'm waiting for is the next full series by the creators of Lizzie Bennet Diaries. I miss the weekly anticipation for Mon and Thurs. 🙂

I really want to like Des, I do. She seems like such a sweetheart. But not all that much of her personality comes through. The series always gives me enough laughs and facepalm moments to keep watching. I'm interested to see how the two part finale turns out.

Happy belated birthday! Lots of good book suggestions for me (there are always so many books to read!). I LOVE Call the Midwife…it might be my favorite show of all time. I would stop and rewind for a quote in each episode of the first season. It is heart of my heart kind-of stuff! It’s sweetly lovely and spiritual and real (and funny). I need to read the books too. I’m glad you’re back to blogging!

I missed reading your blog posts while you were gone. Glad you feel renued after your trip. Wish I could see how beautiful you look in your yellow dress, but I’ll just assume you look fabulous. I haven’t heard of the show you are talking about. What channel do they show it on?

I love Call the Midwife!! I used to watch the first season with my parents back when I lived in Hsv, but since I’ve moved I haven’t seen the second season. I need to get on that!
Your birthday party looks dreamy! 🙂
I haven’t been watching Des’ season…mostly because all of the blog recaps I read about it make it sound boooring. Guess I’m not really missing out? Is she boring, or are the guys all weirdos? Or maybe a little of both?? Haha.
Have you been keeping up with all the royal baby news? For some reason I’m inordinately excited for them!

Hey Annie! I’m really wanting to move to Nashville, and I was wondering if you have any advice or suggestions for jobs/living/church/etc? Have you posted about this and I just haven’t seen it? Thanks and happy birthday!!

So many things. I LOVE that yellow dress. I have been wanting to add one to my closet for awhile. You looked so pretty! Happy 33! 🙂 Also, I looked up all those books on B&N.com and they all sounds great! I would love to read The Paris Wife. I also watched the trailer for Call the Midwife and I think that I might watch episode 1 tonight, because I can totally add another TV show to my Netflix list. ha (I’m watching Parenthood right now) Also, are you really friends with Hilary? Like, the Hillary from Lady A? I’m highly impressed and jealous. The name that she chose is beautiful! I love it. It reminds me of my middle name, “Elyse” (said “e-lease”).

I think these were all my many comments that went through my head while reading this post! ha 🙂

since you asked how my summer was…it was a surprising relaxing! i spent a bit of time at a blueberry patch listening to sermons, dealing with staying single, and rejuvenating myself before school starts back up (i’m a teacher). i’m enjoying your blog and also enjoy what i am finding over on (in)courage. thanks for asking. 🙂